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Appendix 1 THE SCHOOL ARCHIVE The archive at the School is extensive and holds books and documents dating from 1773 to the present. The majority of the items are in good condition, which is surprising given the number of moves of location they have suffered. In recent years they have been sorted, covered, and placed into boxes for future protection by the Secretary/Bursar, Mr Tom Milburn, to whom much credit must go for their present survival. (Although it must be said that many of his predecessors must have been keen to see their preservation too!) During the summer of 1989, Mr Milburn's work was further enhanced by myself and Mark Nelson B.A.(Hons.) of the University of Liverpool, who compiled a thorough and detailed index with comprehensive referencing. A very brief summary of the holdings are listed below: 1. Annual Reports 1793-present 2. Management Committee Minute Books 1793-present 3. Management Committee Waste Minute Books 1823-1958 4. Admissions Registers 1791-present 5. Visitors Report Books 1827-1899 6. Register of Legacies 1851-present 7. Medical Officer Report Books 1897-1927 8. Various Treasurers Books 1794-present 9. An Address Publicity Booklets 1808 & 1811 10. School Rules 1869 & 1893 11. Essay on Blindness D. Diderot Eng1ish translation 1773) 12. Education and Employment of the Blind - Arrnitage (1871) 13. Various Chapel Books and Documents 1804-1927 Other holdings include various documents, journals, correspondence, statistical lists, newspaper cuttings, printed books and papers, sketches, plans, maps, antiquarian prints and dozens of photographs (several by Messrs. Stewart Bale). The Archive has recently benefited from the research required for the writing of Pioneers and Perseverance – A History of the Royal School for the Blind, Liverpool 1791-1991, as photocopies of documents relating to the School found elsewhere have been lodged. The Archive is undoubtedly of great value to the social, educational, medical and family historian. Appendix 2 RUSHTON'S LETTER The following letter was written by Edward Rushton in 1790. Together with a second letter which contained his outline of an institution, it was intended for circulation around Liverpool Society and publication in the local press. His aim was to draw attention to the plight of the blind and gain support for his ideas. "Among the various calamities by which poor human nature is buffeted, perhaps there is not one which, upon close investigation, would be found more truly deplorable than that of the loss of sight. He who is in the full possession of this cheering sense, can have but a very inadequate idea of the state of mind which is generally produced by its total privation. The rays of light may, indeed, for a time be voluntarily excluded, and thus the gloominess of the blind be, in some degree felt; but the mind, conscious that such an exclusion depends upon the will, cannot, on this account, be very materially interested. A human being, by the command of a despot might be entombed in a dungeon dark as the eyeless socket, yet, even here, the consciousness of still possessing sight. and the hopes of being one day or other enabled to enjoy it, would lift him far above the dreary sensations of irrecoverable blindness; sensations which those who are blessed with vision can-not imagine, nor those who are bereft of it justly describe. The long night of the poor Greenlander is, undoubtedly, gloomy, but during that period, the Aurora Borealis, the Moon and the stars are so extremely luminous as to afford in some degree a compensation for his loss; besides, he is constantly cheered with a certainty of the return of the great lamp. Not so the sightless being! His loss has no compensation, his long, long night no brightness; nor can his mind be cheered with the expectations of returning light, for that he knows to be impossible, so that even Hope, the wretch's kindest friend, is to him, in this instance, utterly denied. How piteous then is blindness! The face of the country, with all its various beauties; the town, with its docks, piers, and stately edifices; the aspects of his friends, of his dearest relatives, of his partner and his prattling offspring, are all to him a blank - are all involved in a mass of thick black clouds, which no summer's heat can dissolve, nor wintry storms disperse. How deplorable then is such an existence! Even with a competence, how cheerless! But with indigence, how dreadful!" Appendix 3 CHRISTIE'S LETTER This letter was written by John Christie to Edward Alanson, the Surgeon, appealing for his help and support for the plans drawn by Rushton and himself . Liverpool, September 22nd 1790 "Sir The loss of sight, particularly to those who well remember the enjoyment of it, is perhaps the most severe calamity that can befall a human being; but if to this calamity be added pecuniary distress, and to both, the consciousness of being burdensome to parents to relations, or to friends, these united form such a load of woe as cannot be bourne by any feeling mind without those painful sensations of which words can convey but an inadequate idea. To alleviate those sensations, to lighten that burden, under which, I am persuaded, many of my fellow unfortunates at this moment labour, has lately employed my attention, and with all due deference to better judgements, I humbly think I have hit upon an expedient, which by enabling the indigent blind to procure, by their own exertions, a comfortable maintenance, would in a great measure, produce the above desirable effects. The profession of music is almost the only one in which the blind have any tolerable probability of succeeding; but as penury is too often the attendant upon blindness, it has happened not infrequently, that people in this unfortunate situation have been prevented from acquiring a knowledge of music by the inability of themselves of their connections to defray the necessary expenses of instruction. (This you well know, Sir, was exactly our case till the hand of benevolence enabled us to proceed.) To afford. therefore, a gratuitous instruction upon the harpsichord, violin etc. to the indigent blind of both sexes in and about Liverpool, is, in a few brief words, the outline of my plan. Let a few leading gentlemen give a sanction to the undertaking, for without this I fear nothing can be done. Let a room be appropriated to this use in some one of our public buildings; let a small subscription be obtained for the purpose of procuring a few necessary instruments, and the business in a great measure would be effected. My brother and I have not a doubt but many more, who follow the profession of music, would, with pleasure, attend at certain stated periods in order to instruct those pupils only whom the voice of the subscribers should have regularly admitted; and thus, Sir, at a moderate expense, the helpless and broken-spirited would be enabled to struggle through a dark existence, with some degree of comfort to themselves, and with real satisfaction to the benevolent. Liverpool is already earmarked for the number of its humane institutions, and as it is the intention of such institutions to assist, protect, and cheer the wretched, surely something of this nature might be established for an unfortunate description of people, who, with a will to be industrious, are, by bodily misfortune, and the chilling hand of poverty, too often prevented from being so I am, your servant John Christie N.B. Those who contribute their time and attention, in order to instruct the pupils of the above institution, must necessarily be considered as subscribers. Appendix 4 'A PLAN FOR AFFORDING RELIEF TO THE INDIGENT BLIND'
Henry Dannett drew up the following announcement in consequence of the decisions made at the second meeting at his house in October 1790. The entire document was placed in Williamson's Liverpool Advertiser on Monday 22 November 1790.
They, who have always enjoyed the invaluable blessing of sight, can understand the greatness of its loss only by reflection: And; yet, it may easily be imagined, that the condition of blindness, even when accompanied with all the comforts and conveniences of affluence, is truly melancholy; how severe then must be its distresses, when associated with POVERTY!
But even this double misfortune, like all other calamities which befall our nature, admits of alleviation; it is the duty therefore, of all who can, to alleviate it; for it is the duty of all to do all possible good:- not to mention the sublime pleasure which will result to the mind from gratifying its benevolence towards this unfortunate and neglected class Of our fellow-creatures
Three objects are to be aimed at in affording relief to the blind poor:
First, To furnish them with some employment, which may prevent them from being burdens to their family and the community, or at least, render them less burdensome:
And, Secondly, That the employment be such, as gently to engage the mind without fatiguing it, and by diverting the attention of the blind from their unhappy lot, make them less a burden to themselves.
And, Lastly, that they be supplied with such a portion of religious knowledge, as may reconcile them to their situation, and teach them to be easy and contented;- and to this end, that they may be made acquainted with those parts of the Christian scheme in Particular, which are best adapted to afford them consolation.
To answer these three views, a school will be opened, in which they will be instructed in music, that they may be enabled to become organists, and to teach music, if they are found capable of learnng it; and all will be taught to make nets, to knot fringe etc. - And lastly they will be taught their prayers, and instructed in the doctrines and duties of Christianity every Saturday.
As many may be disqualified by age, infirmity, etc from learning any of these arts, Or from receiving any benefit from the institution, - it is proposed, to afford them some pecuniary assistance; in the distribution of which, attention will be paid to the moral character of the objects.
When the pupils have learnt their respective arts, and begin to practice them, and earn money - it is intended that the blind shall enter into an association, for the relief of themselves and families, when disabled by sickness and age, in the nature of the MARINE SOCIETY, and the FRIENDLY SOCIETIES, which are found so useful in various parts of the kingdom, and from all which associations they are at present excluded.
Benefactions for the support of this CHARITY will be received at Mr. CRANE's, and Mr. GORE's."
APPENDIX 5
SOME PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO A PLAN, ETC.
A week after Dannett's published announcement (appendix 3), he then drew up 'Some Particulars Relative to a Plan, etc.' as an addendum to the published Plan. This was dated 1 December 1790 and appeared in the form of a printed circular combining both the Plan itself and the 'Particulars' shown below.
I. That an advertisement be put into the Liverpool papers to call the indigent Blind together, to ask which of them will accept the offer, and to distribute them into classes of learners of music, learners of mechanical arts, and such as are disqualified for any art.
II. That several rooms be engaged; one for the Blind instructed in music, the rest for those who are taught the other arts.
III. That those be selected who are likely to learn music in such a degree, as may qualify them to become organists, and to teach music.
IV. That spinets be hired during one quarter, proportional to the number taught, for them to practice upon at their own houses, and a harpsicord (sic) be bought for the room in which they are taught;- after the first quarter, that spinets be purchased for as many as are found capable of making a proficiency, to be lent them till they have learnt their art, and then to be given them.
V. That when they are thoroughly instructed in music, and begin to gain a livelihood by it, they have a suit of clothes and decent linen given them.
VI. That some person, who lives in the same family with the Blind, be taught to write and read music.
VII. That the masters, who are so generous as to offer their labour gratis, be paid something for their trouble; and it is hoped that that pay will increase, when the good effects of the institution are seen.
VIII. That the musical pupils be likewise taught some mechanical employment, as an agreeable variety, and that they may acquire something during the time they are learning music.
IX. That a certain number of Blind learn church music, that they may be engaged and recompensed as singers at St.John's church; and that at the end of the first two years, a sermon be preached, and continued annually, for the support of the charity:-
when the blind musicians and singers will display to their benefactors, the public, their musical proficiency.
X. That after the first half year there be a public exhibition of all the Blind employed in their several mechanic operations, and afterwards, that this exhibition be annual; and at the same time a collection be made for the ASSOCIATION BOX mentioned in art.xiv - The first exhibition to be on Monday June 13th, and to continue the following fortnight.
XI. That the Blind be supplied with work by the managers of the institution; who sic to pay to each blind artificer the whole gains arising from his labour.
XII. That the most diligent receive rewards, as encouragement, such as clothes, etc.
XIII. That prayers be composed for the use of the blind, adapted to their peculiar situation; that they be taught these prayers and their duty every Saturday; and on Sunday, that those of the establishment go to St.John's, where seats will be provided for them; and those who dissent from it, go in a body to their respective places of public worship.
XIV. That after learning their trades six months, the Blind be incorporated in to a society each of whom is to contribute two-pence weekly from his gains, as a provision for himself in old age or sickness; that he may, when 60 years old, or disabled by di-ease, receive three or four shillings weekly, in proportion as the Association Box will afford. To increase this fund for age and infirmity, Gentlemen will be solicited to become members of this BLIND FRIENDLY SOCIETY; which, it is hoped, will exhibit a model to shame into frugality, industry, and prudence, those lazy poor, who enjoy the sense of seeing, and the use of all their organs in full perfection, and yet choose meanly to live on common alms.
XV. That an annual report be made of the expenditure of the money, and the good effected during the year; and that when the Institution is established and fosnd beneficial, the plan when corrected, and amended by experience, be published, to produce imitation in other places.
XVI. That the money collected be lodged in a bank, secured to the public by appointing Trustees.
From the whole it will be seen, that the Establishment is intended to afford relief to all;- to the youngest, as soon as they can learn music, which may perhaps beat about nine years of age;- to the middle-aged, by teaching them some art by which to entertain their minds, and to gain an honest living;- and to the old who are unable to leans anything, by affording them some assistance in clothes, money, etc. - and that one object of this Institution is, to attend to the morals of the blind of all ages, especially the young.
Liverpool
December 1st 1790. H. DANNETT.
Appendix 6
THE SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION FOR
THE INDIGENT BLIND
On 29 December 1790, Reverend Dannett submitted the following announcement, regarding the opening of the new School, to Williamsons' Advertiser, which appeared on 3 January 1791 (see chapter 2).
THE SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE INDIGENT BLIND
Will be opened the second week in January,
in Commutation Row
At which place there will be an Exhibition of the BLIND, employed in the several Mechanic Arts, on Monday the 11th of July, and the following days of the same week, to show to the public the proficiency they have made. - Books will be left with Mr.Jones, Mr.Billinge, Mr.Crane, Mr.Preston and Mr.Gore, containing a list of the subscribers, with the sums subscribed. - Nearly £600 have already been given by liberal town to execute the plan. - The money received has been placed in the bank of Messrs. Caldwell and Smyth, who are generous enough to allow the Charity five percent. - Eighty-one blind Objects have given in their names. - The Mayor of the present year has obligingly consented to be the President of this new Charity. - The Arts, to which they ate thought adequate, are the winding of Cotton, the spinning of Worsted, the knitting of worsted Stockings, the making of Whip-lashes, the winding of Worsted into balls and handles for the hosiers, the picking of Oakum, the making of Cabbage nets, Net caps, etc. the lining of Hats, Music, etc. - After the experiments have been made, the most lucrative and pleasant of these employments will be selected.
It may be proper to answer the weightiest objections, which have been made to the
Plan:
1. It has been said "This institution will deprive the Blind of the benefit of Etherington's Charity"(*) - The managers of that Charity have been applied to and say it will not:
- indeed their printed inquiries sent from Christs' Hospital plainly speak the same language to every unprejudiced reader's understanding. 2. "We shall have our streets filled with Blind Fiddlers". - Violins are excluded. 3. "The Blind are not equal to any of these Arts." - In Manchester, blind women wind cotton and line hats; in Paris, the blind make whips and whip-lashes, spin, weave nets, learn music so as to excel, etc. And what is done in Manchester and Paris, it is hoped, is practicable in Liverpool.
Dec.29, 1790 HENRY DANNETT.
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